Soho, the heart of the British capital. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history that awaits you beyond every wall. From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, from Punk to Heavy Metal: former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths and big artists were born on live music stages, rooftops or recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques throughout the district tell of London's rich music history.
Join us on our Soho subTOURs. Either as single walks or combined in a triple subTOUR. Explore the inner heart of London and its abundance of Rock music tales.
This part 2 reveals a famous album cover place from Oasis along with a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district.
Always a great choice for a guided tour to learn about the local music history is joining the guys from
London Rock Tours, Swinging 60s, or
Flipside London Tours. They will take you to the most important spots beyond the obvious ones and tell you legendary stories from the past. Partly also specializing in Soho and the Punk Rock movement.
For a deeper look into the history of the Punk movement in London and Soho, also watch London's burning, a German documentary with Die Toten Hosen lead singer Campino.
We recommend doing this single subTOUR or the Soho triple in the afternoon as some of the recommended spots such as bars are opening after noon.
Liberty (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Either as starting point for this single subTOUR or if you have already discovered the first part of the Soho triple:
Liberty is one of the city's finest places to buy luxury fabrics, designer clothing, stylish homewares, and sumptuous beauty products. Best of all is the marvellous historical building that the store is located in. Where beautiful dark wooden interior meets small windows.
Shopping tip: nearby famous Carnaby Street offers more than 150 shops and 50 restaurants, pubs, and bars, from chic stores to alternative options with a more independent appeal.
In the early 60s numerous fashion stores supporting the Hippie movement were opened here, along with night clubs and live music venues hosting renowned Rock bands such as The Rolling Stones or The Who.
Phonica Records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Further eastwards lies the first of countless record stores within a comparatively small area of a few Soho blocks: independent Phonica Records may not be the perfect spot if you are into Rock, Metal and similar, but nevertheless, this funky store that has specialized in Dance and House is worth a visit.
Sister Ray (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Record shopping, part three. Starting from a humble record store in the mid 80s, Sister Ray has steadily grown into one of London's most iconic suppliers of alternative vinyl and CDs. Spread over two floors, you can expect finest new releases next to a huge range of classic albums as well as rare and second-hand vinyl. There's a broad range of Indie Rock and older stuff. Also nice merchandise available.
Cover location for (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, London (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Berwick Street. As this very area was and still is a popular London location for record stores, it has also some Rock 'n' Roll history to tell.
(What's the Story) Morning Glory? is the second studio album by English superstars Oasis, released in 1995. Probably one of the most significant records in the timeline of British Indie music.
Its famous cover shows a picture of two men passing each other on Soho's Berwick Street.
Step onto the pavement and try to take a picture from the same scenery as seen on the cover.
Reckless Records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Just located directly on Berwick Street is
Reckless Records, an independent record shop since 1984.
They deal in second hand vinyl and also carry a large array of used CDs across a wide range of styles and genres: Rock, Pop, Indie, Metal, Reggae, Jazz, Electronic, House, Soul, Funk, and many more.
Sounds of the universe (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Yes, there's still another store to explore. Unique and authentic Sounds of the Universe sells second hand vinyl and CDs along with music books and DVDs.
With regular shipments from the USA, Jamaica, Japan, Brazil, and Europe they are constantly updated with new releases in a large selection of Reggae, Dubstep, House, Disco, Funk and Soul, Brazilian, Latin, African, and world beats in the UK.
Sounds of the Universe is connected to the record label Soul Jazz Records.
Trident Studios (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Final destination of this subTOUR is a place in the heart of Soho that is deeply connected to music history. Trident originally opened in 1968 and quickly became the probably most in-place to record, as launch pad for many legendary artists such as Elton John, Lou Reed, Genesis, Supertramp, and Black Sabbath.
Some of the world's most famous recordings have taken place here: David Bowie recorded many of his own albums here including Ziggy Stardust. The Beatles came here in 1968 to record Hey Jude. Some of the White Album tracks were also recorded here. Paul McCartney helped Queen on their road to success - he used to block-book the studio and not always turn up. Queen were allowed to use this down time for free and the result was Bohemian Rhapsody.
This is also the starting point for the third and last part of the complete Soho subTOUR.
Venue tip: Iconic 100 Club has a rich music history since 1942. Throughout then, its stage has seen all kinds of artists including Muddy Waters as well as The Who, The Sex Pistols, or Oasis and many more.
The place also has become an institution for intimate secret shows by major acts. So check out tonight's calendar if there's something interesting for you.
Record store tip: Third Man Records is founded by Jack White, member of former White Stripes .
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
